Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.] The word ld dal, which we translate poor man, is probably put here in opposition to µybr rabbim, the great, or noble men, in the preceding verse: if so, the meaning is, Thou shalt neither be influenced by the great to make an unrighteous decision, nor by the poverty or distress of the poor to give thy voice against the dictates of justice and truth. Hence the ancient maxim, FIAT JUSTITIA, RUAT COELUM. "Let justice be done, though the heavens should be dissolved."
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - In the law of Moses are very plain marks of sound moral feeling, and of true political wisdom. Every thing in it is suited to the desired an avowed object, the worship of one only God, and the separation of Israel from the pagan world. Neither parties, friends, witnesses, no common opinions, must move us to lessen great faults, to aggravat small ones, excuse offenders, accuse the innocent, or misrepresent an thing.
Original Hebrew ודל1800 לא3808 תהדר1921 בריבו׃7379
